Empire Biscuit appears to be toast on Avenue A

The rather chipper "peelin' potatoes" signage on a paper plate has remained up in the papered-over Empire Biscuit window since early March.

The quick-serve biscuiteers at 198 Avenue A between 12th Street and 13th Street have only been open a few days this year... dating back to January when ownership announced reduced hours.

Empire Biscuit owner Jonathan Price told us that they would reopen in March after doing some maintenance work. That never happened. (The reopening — not sure about the maintenance.)

The storefront remains dormant... on July 1, a reader thought that the space had been emptied out...



...but it was a false alarm...



And now, a summons appeared on the front door yesterday (but dated from May) ... from the Civil Court of the City of New York ... looks as if the plaintiff, City Waste Services of New York, is looking to collect a debt...


[Photo via @urbanmyths]

...apparently there was legalese from Con Ed on the door last week.

Empire Biscuit opened in the fall of 2013.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Incoming Empire Biscuit on Avenue A launches Kickstarter campaign (122 comments)

Report: Empire Biscuit opens today (65 comments)

Looking at some East Village gym options

[Reader photo from last week]

The coming soon signage for Blink Fitness arrived last week at 98-100 Avenue A.

The 12,000-square-foot facility, expected to be open this fall between Sixth Street and Seventh Street, has advertised fees "as low as $15 a month." Blinkers can pay $10 extra a month for a premium membership that includes access to any location. (Updated: This Blink location will be $25 a month, per a rep.)

After our post last week we heard from several readers who say they'll sign up for Blink, the low-budget sibling in the Equinox family ... mostly because of the price and also due to a lack other neighborhood gym options. (This is not taking into account more specialized places, such as Mile High Run Club on Fourth Street between the Bowery and Lafayette, CrossFit East River on Ninth Street near Avenue C or Nimble Fitness on St. Mark's Place. And SoulCycle on Lafayette and FlyWheel Sports in the Death Star.)

The Dolphin locations abruptly closed on both East Fourth Street and, several years earlier, on Avenue B.

One reader expressed frustration with the summer hours recently posted at the basement-level Iron and Silk on Third Street near Avenue A...



They are only open for four hours on Saturdays and closed on Sundays, two key days for people who work during the week...



There's the Synergy Fitness Club on 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue that, despite the sign saying they are open 24 hours, isn't open 24 hours...



Several members have described this gym to us as "sketchy" with random opening hours... then there was this flyer campaign that someone recently launched nearby... claiming "Synergy Fitness will send your account to Collection without ANY NOTICE"...



There's also the newish New York Sports Club on Avenue A between Second Street and Third Street. (Their website advertises a $39.99 single-club rate with multi-club access rates of $64.99 and $74.99.) Meanwhile, the 14th Street Y has multiple membership packages, though the prices aren't listed online.

Of course there's East River Park and the jungle gym at Tompkins Square Park. You can also get creative and take advantage of a stationary Citi Bike.

Free tonight in Tompkins Square Park: 'Wild Style'

Tonight's free film in Tompkins Square Park is the 1983 hip-hop/graffiti classic "Wild Style" starring Lee Quiñones, Patti Astor, Fab 5 Freddy and Grandmaster Flash, among others.



There's pre-movie music via DJ J. Abrams and DJ Prince. Plus there's a screening of Aristotle Torres' 8-minute short based on the Notorious B.I.G.'s "I Got A Story To Tell." "Wild Style" starts at sundown.

Check the Films in Tompkins Facebook page for any updates on tonight's screening.

And upcoming:

8-4 — "True Romance"

8-11 — "Romeo + Juliet"

Police looking for suspect who groped, then punched woman several times on 1st Avenue

Police say that the man pictured here grabbed then punched a woman several times early Saturday morning outside 208 First Ave. between 12th Street and 13th Street.

Per ABC 7:

The suspect grabbed the 37 year-old female victim's buttocks, according to investigators.

When she confronted him about the incident, he punched her in the face numerous times. The suspect fled northbound on 1 Avenue.

The individual is described as a male white, 20 to 25 years old, 5'8", 140 lbs; last seen wearing a dark colored shirt and blue jeans.

The woman was taken to a hospital, where she was reported in stable condition.

Here's the video... (h/t DNAinfo)



Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online.

Updated 7:19 p.m.

ABC-7 has more footage of the attack here.

Today in Tesla charging on 10th Street

Between Avenue A and Avenue B... photo via Peter.d

Blackout at the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall

After two days of painstaking work in the July heat, Logan Hicks decided to black out his work to date on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall.

As Gothamist noted:

It was looking great ... brightly colored and wonderfully detailed from end to end — but apparently when the crew arrived early this morning the wooden panels that now comprise the wall had shifted overnight, developing seams and making it impossible to continue with layer three. So they buffed the whole thing!

Wall curator Jessica Goldman Srebnick offered an explanation on Instagram:

Unfortunately, with Monday's monsoon rains and stifling heat we experienced damage to the HB wall. We decided together with artist Logan Hicks that it would be best to make the necessary repairs and when ready, begin again with Logan's masterpiece. It will be well worth the wait. @loganhicksny #greatestpublicartwallever #staytuned

A photo posted by Jessica Goldman Srebnick (@jessicawynwood) on Jul 27, 2016 at 1:02pm PDT

Here's how the wall was looking Monday afternoon...



Previously on EV Grieve:
Logan Hicks bringing the story of his life to the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall

Report: Hells Angel arrested for waving gun, chasing man down 3rd Street with a baseball bat

[Image via Google Street View]

A member of the Hells Angels was arrested after allegedly waving a gun and chasing a man away from the club's East Third Street clubhouse, the Daily News reported.

The incident apparently took place last night around 10 outside the club between First Avenue and Second Avenue.

Police arrested Jose Brito, 28, and charged him with criminal possession of a firearm and menacing. Officers on the scene recovered the bat but not the gun.

It was not clear what prompted the gun waving and chasing.

Out and About in the East Village

In this weekly feature, East Village-based photographer James Maher provides us with a quick snapshot of someone who lives and/or works in the East Village.



By James Maher

Name: Creaux
Occupation: Waiter, VBar St. Mark's Place
Location: 9th Street and First Avenue
Time: 1:30 p.m. on Monday, July 25th

I’ve pretty much worked and lived in this neighborhood for a total of 11 years. I’m originally from New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina brought me here.

When I first got here, I was in a hotel in Queens for three months, and then I ended up getting a job at DBA down the street. I worked there for eight years. I lived in Williamsburg for three years, and then I finally moved over to First Avenue, right next to DBA, and ended up moving around the corner. I’ve been living here for about six years.

The neighborhood reminded me of the French Quarter. I feel a kinship toward this place because it reminds me of home, there being a variety of people. For instance, I feel the difference between the East Village versus the Upper West Side, is on the same block you can see a guy with an eight-inch mohawk, a guy like myself, and a guy in a business suit, and all three of us are living here. Whereas if you go to the Upper West side, you may see some of those people, you might see a guy like me or a guy with an eight-inch mohawk, but we’re probably working there; we’re not living there. Whereas, there really is a melting pot in the East Village. I like that. I like being around different types of people. I love different cultures. I love to get to know people.

Right now I work at VBar. I’m a waiter over there. When it comes to restaurant work, you’ve got to like people to do it. Waiting tables, as much as people might think that it’s an easy job, it can be frustrating. You’ve got to be able to deal with people. It’s easier to appease someone who’s drinking versus food. Food is harder to appease someone. People walk in cranky already because they’re really hungry. There’s a lot of nuance, because you have to give them a lot of attention and satisfy their needs.

We tend to attract a lot of Europeans; I meet so many. Yesterday I had a German guy ... and a young lady from the Czech Republic. I guess because we have a very European café décor about us, it tends to attract Europeans to us. The owner is Italian, from Sardinia.

One thing I like about this neighborhood also is that you kind of get to know your neighbors. It becomes a personable thing. I was just talking with some guy last night about how when you live and work in the same neighborhood, your familiarity becomes a lot deeper and you build more lasting friendships.

I had this friend of mine who died, who lived next door to DBA when I worked over there. The most I knew about him is that he was a playwright. We never hung outside of work, besides when our paths would cross, but in the time I spent with him drinking at the bar with me, I felt I really got to know who he was, even if it was only for a couple hours in a day. This is my neighborhood. I’m part of this. I feel it.

James Maher is a fine art and studio photographer based in the East Village. Find his website here.

Rentals underway at the Hub on Avenue B

The all-new 185 Avenue B, the 7-floor, 40-unit building between 11th Street and 12th Street, is now ready for tenants.

The building is called The Hub. Here are details via their website:

This 7 story building was designed to offer residents the most amount of space, light, high ceilings and views. It offers a large amount of amenities, such as a laundry room, residents bike storage, 2 elevators, a sun roof and a roof terrace with spectacular open views. Some units have private outdoor spaces. There are spacious and well lit common areas on each floor, that compliment the spacious apartments and create a good sense of openness and spacial consistency. This 40 unit boutique rental building truly stands out from anything else in the neighborhood.

...and here's a shot of the model unit...



There are four units posted on the site. There isn't any pricing on the apartments.

There are also flyers posted along Avenue B noting that the Elim House of Worship is moving into the building, on the 12th Street side...





As previously reported, the Elim Pentecostal Church was in the former building on the site. The Rev. Carlos Torres reportedly worked out a deal to sell the property to a developer to ensure that the church had a future home. (A fire nearly destroyed the building in October 2006. That two-level structure was KO'd in 2012 after a few attempts to renovate it.)

The demolition-construction dragged on here for nearly four years. Nearby residents endured months of relentless pile driving and other building-rattling noise. There were complaints about cracks next door at No. 183.

The space here at 193 Avenue B opened in 1926 as the Bijou, a 600-seat theater with a balcony. It eventually became the Charles Theatre, with some programming curated by Jonas Mekas.

As Cinema Treasures points out: "In later years it was one of the early New York theatres to program off-beat and independent films. It showed early Warhol and had open film nights where young filmmakers could get an audience."

[Image from 1966 Via.]

Previously on EV Grieve:
Inside the Charles

Former landmark countercultural theater now for rent on Avenue B

7-story building in the works to replace former countercultural theater/church on Avenue B

Construction site at 185 Avenue B remains shut down for now

[Updated] The 'insane' noise and pounding are back at 185 Avenue B

[Photo from November 2011]

Moonstruck Eatery closes on Avenue A

That's it for the Moonstruck Eatery. The diner has called it a day at 167 Avenue A after one year here between 10th Street and 11th Street.

The space has been on the market since April, per a listing at LoopNet.

Four other locations of Moonstruck Eatery remain in the city. (The Avenue A address has already been scrubbed from the website.)

The previous tenant, Ethos Meze East Village from the same owners, lasted less than a year in business. (And before this, it was the world-famous Diablo Royale Este, which closed at the end of August 2012.)

I never tried the souped-up diner. Friends who dined here said it was all serviceable, but the decor was all wrong, part ski lodge, part homage to the Raven, the bar Karen Allen owned in "Raiders of the Lost Ark."


[Moonstruck Eatery pic via LoopNet]

Hellbound: The Official Gallery of Satan opening on East 3rd Street

You may have noticed the transformation in recent weeks of the empty storefront at 199 E. Third St. between Avenue A and Avenue B... the space is the new home of Vector Gallery, formerly on Clinton Street, East Broadway ... and Los Angeles.

Founder JJ Brine has billed his space the Official Gallery of Satan. His previous storefront galleries featured items such as glow-in-the-dark paintings of Charles Manson and various performance-art theatrics. (Brine's gallery also made headlines for its vagina phone charger at Art Basel in Miami Beach in 2014.)

Opening night here is Aug. 18. Per the invite: "Featuring new installations by Crown Prince of Hell JJ Brine and sermons/performances by Ministers of The Vectorian Government."

But until then Brine seems to be adding items daily to the photogenic storefront.

And speaking of the devil, at least in landlord form, this space last housed Snack Dragon, which closed in October 2014 after a reported large rent increase courtesy of landlord Steve Croman.

Thanks to Stacie Joy for the photo earlier this month!

Report: Man steals security camera that caught him breaking into an East 14th Street apartment

The NYPD is searching for a suspect they say broke into an apartment on 14th Street near Avenue A, ripping off some electronics as well as the home-security camera that captured him inside the residence.

Via Patch:

According to police, the suspect picked the lock of an apartment on 14th Street near Avenue A and made off with $964 in electronics, including an iPad 4 and a Canary security camera which recorded the incident. The 29-year-old man who lived there was not home at the time of the break-in. The incident happened at 1:37 p.m. on July 22.

The man is very visible on the home security footage, below, and can be seen picking over the electronics on the man's desk before toppling the security camera. He is described as Hispanic, and was wearing a blue Yankees hat, green-striped polo shirt and gray cargo shorts at the time of the burglary.

Per Gothamist: "While the suspect stole the video camera, the footage was kept on the cloud. Thanks, Big Brother!"

Anyone with information that could help in the investigation is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). You may also submit tips online.

Report: Astor Place reconstruction now slated for a fall completion

The completion date for the reconstruction of Astor Place and Cooper Square has been pushed back from summer to fall, DNAinfo reports.

A spokesperson for the Department of Design and Construction didn't offer any reasons as to why the multi-year(s) project will be delayed by one season.

“We anticipate construction completion in the Fall and will continue to work closely with the Department of Transportation], Parks and the community for any updates about this project,” said public information officer Shavone Williams in an email.

The work, which started in September 2013 and was expected to take two years, has included reconfiguring/revamping the Astor Place/Cooper Square streetscape with three new permanent plazas, additional seating, trees and a new design for Peter Cooper Park.

No word if this delay will impact the return of the Alamo, originally set for June 22 then moved to some time in August. Which, based on the ongoing delays, might mean October.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Five years later, Astor Place apparently ready for its 2-year reconstruction project

The all-new Astor Place is coming along (for real)

Report: Esperanto opening a 2nd East Village location

Last week we reported that the former BARA space on East First Street was undergoing renovations ... and reopening as a Latin-American restaurant. A tipster who lives on the block between First Avenue and Second Avenue believed the the owner of BARA was behind the new venture.

Turns out that this will be a second outpost for Esperanto ... the mainstay on Avenue C and Ninth Street is expanding with the opening of Esperanto Fonda, according to the Post.

Per the paper: "The Brazilian-inspired eatery is the latest from Dimitri Vlahakis, owner of Alice’s Arbor, La Gamelle and Summit Bar."

The menu will include empanadas with beef, shrimp and veggies ... as well as tacos, burritos and an Esperanto Bowl with rice, beans, pico de gallo, guacamole and meat.

No word on an opening date.

BARA, a French/Japanese bar-restaurant, closed after service on June 11.

Workers demolish the former Puck Fair and BP on Houston and Lafayette

After being boxed up in plywood for the past three months, workers quickly demolished the one-level structures that housed the BP station and Puck Fair yesterday on Houston and Lafayette...



The plot of land, officially 300 Lafayette, will house a new building that will encompass 80,000 square feet of "flagship retail and boutique office" ...


[Rendering by Cookfox]

Per the developers:

The building’s design is inspired by principles of “biophilia,” meaning people feel good when they are connected to nature. generous amounts of legally accessible outdoor space are planted with indigenous species on every office floor. The 30,000 sf retail space encompasses 3 open floors offering soaring ceiling heights. This iconic building is an exceptional marketing opportunity for a world class international brand.

The BP station closed on April 14 ... while Puck Fair bowed out on March 27.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Have you seen the glass tower in the works for Lafayette and East Houston?

Report: Boutique office building on East Houston and Lafayette at BP site a go

BP station on East Houston and Lafayette closes April 14

Report: Lack of gas stations downtown a concern

The L train shutdown countdown clock is on

[Photo from July 2]

You likely saw this news everywhere yesterday: The MTA announced that L-train service between Bedford Avenue and Eighth Avenue will shut down for 18 months starting in January 2019.

The MTA opted against the three-year schedule that would have kept one of the L train's tracks open with greatly reduced service.

Per The New York Times:

L trains will continue to operate in Brooklyn between the Williamsburg and Canarsie neighborhoods, but will not run between the Eighth Avenue stop in Manhattan and the Bedford Avenue station in Brooklyn. All five L train stops in Manhattan will close, along with the tunnel. About 225,000 riders now take the L train across the East River each day.

And here are a few details via The Wall Street Journal:

Opened in 1924, the L train tunnel’s innards have suffered damage wrought by the passage of years and Sandy.

Construction crews will replace electric cables running inside the structure’s deteriorating concrete lining.

Ms. Hakim said the authority planned to offer incentives to speed up construction work, and would impose penalties if the work is delayed beyond 18 months.

The project is expected to cost between about $800 million and $1 billion.

In making the announcement yesterday, MTA officials did not present transit options for the L's displaced riders. They will apparently offer some solutions at a later date.

DNAinfo rounds up a few possibilities ... and there's the idea to close parts of 14th Street to vehicular traffic, with a dedicated bus and bike route to help ease the crosstown commute while the L is out. And maybe make this permanent.

Other advice on how to get around along this corridor during the shutdown is welcome.

St. Mark's Place, under the rainbow

Photo from St. Mark's Place and Second Avenue tonight by Sam Teichman

Logan Hicks starts work on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall

Logan Hicks, known for his photorealistic stenciled paintings, started work on the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall today. (He began at 4 a.m.)

These photos are from about 20 minutes before it started to pour late this afternoon...



Here's more about the work via a news release on the new mural:

The Bowery Wall mural will be Hicks’ most personal piece yet. His signature architectural landscape is set on Greene Street where a massive photo shoot took place on May 22. For the shoot, Logan invited dozens of friends and family to participate, and be represented in a “crowd scene.” The mural represents his past, present and future here in New York City, telling the story of his life through the people who have touched him.

It is expected to take several weeks to complete.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Logan Hicks bringing the story of his life to the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall

's makes triumphant return to Ray's Candy Store

[Photo from July 7]

Earlier this month, Chico updated the facade at Ray's Candy Store, 113 Avenue A ... And as many people noted, the apostrophe s was missing from Ray's name. Ray Candy Store.

The punctuation help has arrived. EVG correspondent Steven notes that the 's has been added to the sign...

The Village Voice looks to boost readership in 2nd Avenue bus lane

Kidding! Just someone's idea of a quick fix to warn motorists of a budding sinkhole on Second Avenue between Sixth Street and Seventh Street.

Photo by Vinny & O.

Flowers for former Mono + Mono space on 4th Street

[Photo from yesterday]

In April 2013, a two-alarm fire swept through 116 E. Fourth St., home of the Korean fried chicken restaurant Mono + Mono. Through the years the owners provided updates that they'd return to the space between First Avenue and Second Avenue. That never happened.

And on Saturday, an EVG reader noted that a new business was opening here — Le Bouquet NY...



The sign also notes "By Doro's Annex Flower Shop."

In late 2013, the high-end florist Doro's closed after 33 years in business on Ninth Avenue and 21st Street. We stopped by the new shop for more info, but they were not open yesterday.

H/T EVG reader Brian!

Previously on EV Grieve:
[Updated] Early-morning fire at 116 E. Fourth St., home of Mono + Mono

(Kind of) An update on Mono + Mono

What is happening with the Mono + Mono space?

Report: Mono + Mono plans fall reopening

At long last, 76 E. Houston St. reveals itself

This past Friday, workers began removing the construction netting/bubble wrap from 76 E. Houston St. ... the new two-story building at Elizabeth that has been under construction for an awfully long time (given the size of the project) ...



Construction has been going on now for two years. BoweryBoogie reported in October 2014 that work slowed down here due to Certificate of Occupancy issues and a dispute over the property line. (The issue was reportedly settled last summer.)

By the end of the day Saturday the sidewalk bridge had been carted off...





The previous brokers were billing this location as "the four corners of Downtown," with a summer 2015 completion date.

Cushman & Wakefield have the listing now. (Goldman Properties is the landlord.) The bare-bones listing didn't have much info, except that two commercial spaces are available: the ground floor is 775 square feet and the second level has 680 square feet. (Nothing about that rooftop space.)

The new building is adjacent to the Houston/Bowery Mural Wall, where Logan Hicks starts work on a new piece today.



No. 76 was previously home to the always-entertaining Billy's Antiques.

Previously on EV Grieve:
Deal off to bring Crif Dogs to the former Billy's Antiques space

The Houston/Bowery Mural Wall has been boarded up

Full stop work order for 76 E. Houston St., and the return of Billy's Antiques (sort of)

Checking in on the incoming building at 'the four corners of Downtown'

The charming 65 E. 2nd St. is for sale

One of my favorite buildings (from the outside anyway) in the neighborhood, 65 E. Second St., recently arrived on the sales market.

Here are the details on the building between First Avenue and Second Avenue via Leslie J. Garfield:

[T]his 4,600 square foot townhouse has been fully gut renovated into three gracious apartments overlooking the Marble Cemetery, the oldest public cemetery in New York City.



Originally built c. 1834 as a Greek Revival-style row house with cast-iron stoop posts and hand-railings, basket-style iron fire escape, rope moldings and historic wood casement windows and transoms.

65 East 2nd Street is located in the prime East Village, on the cusp of NoHo and the Lower East Side, surrounded by new condominium developments, cafes, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants. This turnkey townhouse is suitable for both end-users and investors alike, with the ability to move into the owner’s duplex immediately, while offering longterm upside in a rapidly developing neighborhood.

APT 1: Currently configured as a three-bedroom, three bath garden duplex featuring central air-conditioning, custom chef’s kitchen and cabinetry, high-end finishes, washer/dryer and two private outdoor spaces. Can be delivered vacant. Current tenant paying $9,500 per month.

APT 2: Currently configured as a fully renovated three bedroom, two bath apartment featuring central air conditioning, gut renovated kitchen and bathrooms, 11’ ceiling heights, and unobstructed, sunlit views north. Can be delivered vacant. Current tenant paying $6,600 per month.

APT 3: Occupied by a life-tenancy, this apartment is currently configured as a fully renovated three bedroom, two bath apartment featuring central air conditioning, gut renovated kitchen and bathrooms, 9.5’ ceiling heights, and unobstructed, sunlit views north. Tenant paying $500 per month for life.

Asking price: $5.75 million

Storefronts and signage updates: The PokéSpot, Mizu Sushi, more!

The signage has arrived for The PokéSpot, which will be serving Hawaiian raw-fish salad on Fourth Avenue and 12th Street in the space that previously housed the Subway (sandwich shop).

-----


[Photo by Steven]

On Saturday, workers installed the sign for the new sushi place coming to 350 E. Ninth St. near First Avenue... Mizu Sushi ...

A.K. Shoe Repair was here until last August ... then a tobacco-variety shop quickly came and went after several months.

-----

Pink Bear is open and now serving rolled ice cream on East 14th Street between Second Avenue and Third Avenue...




-----

And on East 14th Street between First Avenue and Second Avenue, EVG reader KT notes the signage is up at the incoming E14 MedicalArts facility...



Per the sign in the window, E14 is a "state of the art boutique medical and wellness center which will cater to Stuyvesant Town residents."

The address was previously Danny Cycle's, which closed here at the end of 2015.

Parting weekend shot

Stage view from the Cro-Mags set yesterday afternoon in Tompkins Square Park...

A photo posted by Brian "Mitts" Daniels (@mittsmadball) on Jul 23, 2016 at 1:44pm PDT